Alessia's POV
I kicked Derek in the crotch with every ounce of strength I had. He let out a blood-curdling groan, as he clutched at his groin. His face contorted in pain.
I didn't hesitate, sprinting outside with one goal in mind: escape. I grabbed my car keys and bag, racing toward the main door. I kicked off my heels to run faster, my heart pounding in my chest.
Derek's voice echoed behind me. "Come back here, you bloody bitch!" he roared, his voice hoarse from pain.
I could hear his labored footsteps coming down the stairs. I flung open the door, my heart racing with fear. I glanced back, seeing Derek stumble after me, his face still twisted in pain. Despite his agony, he was gaining on me.
I got into my car and sped out of the compound, my tires screeching as I fled. I didn't know where I was headed, but I couldn't stop driving. My was racing.
Sweat drenched my hair and clothes, clinging to my skin as I gripped the steering wheel tightly. I began to panic as I realized I had nowhere to turn. No one to trust. Tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision.
How would I protect myself and my unborn child? I had few friends, and the people I had surrounded myself with had turned against me. Fear gripped me as I glanced in the rearview mirror, wondering Derek would catch up.
Eventually after a long ride, exhaustion forced me to pull over. I parked in a quiet spot, my body shaking with fear. It was late, and I knew I wasn't safe. They would track me down soon.
I sniffled, rummaging through my bag for a towel to blow my nose and wipe away my tears. As I gazed out the window, my stomach growled at the sight of the restaurant in front of me. The colorful banner displaying various dishes made my hunger pangs worse.
"A pregnant woman shouldn't go this long without eating," I thought, searching my bag for some cash to grab a bite. But as I looked down at my bare legs and disheveled hair, I hesitated. I was a mess, and entering the eatery like this would only draw unwanted attention.
Just as I was contemplating alternatives, a loud knock on my window made me jump. I turned to see Matteo, my colleague from work, standing outside with a frown on his face.
I couldn't believe my eyes - Matteo, the director of product development, was standing outside my window, knocking on the glass. He was the last person I wanted to see today or any other day.
I had lost count of how many times I had complained to Derek about Matteo's infuriating behavior. He always seemed to be one step ahead, countering my innovative ideas and pointing out their flaws. His condescending remarks had always frustrated me. I had often wondered if he'd be more careful with his words if he knew I was the CEO's daughter.
But now, as I looked up at him, I realized that my disheveled state would likely shock him. I quickly tried to compose myself, smoothing out my blonde hair and clothes. I lowered the tinted window slowly, my expression stern. "Yes?" I asked curtly.
Matteo's eyes met mine. "Miss Alessia," he said, his voice even. "I thought as much."
I asked, my tone sharp. "What do you mean?"
"You're the only one in the universe who would put a pink unicorn sticker on her car door," he said and I rolled my eyes.
He then continued. "Well, that's not my problem. What my problem is, is that you're parked in a way that's blocking me. Can you please move?" He said, his expression stern.
I felt irritated at his condescending tone. Matteo muttered under his breath, loud enough for me to hear, "Security's not doing their job again, stressing me out..." He walked away, leaving me angry.
Matteo's comment about my unicorn sticker had clearly been a jab, and I realized he must have recognized me the moment he saw it. His arrogance was infuriating, and for a moment, I had wanted to lash out at him.
"Miss Alessia, come on. I want to leave. Can you please move your car?" Matteo asked, his face in annoyance.
"Do I look like I'm playing?" I retorted.
"It seems that way to me," he shot back.
I rolled my eyes and started the car, but then a thought struck me. Why not use this opportunity to get some food? I was still famished.
"Hey, why aren't you moving?" Matteo snapped, his patience wearing thin.
I took a deep breath and tried to speak calmly, knowing that Matteo didn't like me and often went out of his way to annoy me.
"Matteo, please, can you get me some Panzerotti?" I asked.
He stared at me blankly.
"Not with your money, I'll give you the cash to buy it for me...I mean...you just..." I trailed off, expecting him to respond.
But he just stood there, his expression unreadable. I frowned, frustrated.
"What's wrong with him?" I thought, exasperated.
I let out a deep sigh. "It's just a favor," I said softly.
But instead of agreeing, Matteo burst out laughing, throwing his head back in amusement. I was taken aback, unsure what I had missed.
"What's so funny?" I asked, trying to understand the joke.
Matteo's laughter subsided, and he grinned at me. "It's just nice to hear you say "please" for a change. You're always so bossy and never polite."
I rolled my eyes as I thought. "This guy is impossible, as if he was any better."
But my hunger got the better of me, and I decided to swallow my pride.
"Will you help me?" I asked, trying to sound as pleasant as possible.
"Park properly first," Matteo said.
I started the car and found a new parking spot. As I got out, I saw Matteo approaching. I opened my bag and pulled out some cash.
I held out the cash, instructing, "One Panzerotti and a cappuccino, please."
But Matteo's expression turned stubborn. "I didn't agree to buy anything for you. I'm not your personal errand boy."
My annoyance spiked. "I asked for a favor... So why are you even here?" I demanded, frustration written on my face.
Matteo raised an eyebrow. "Why can't you go yourself?"
I hesitated, unwilling to reveal the true reason I couldn't go. "My heels broke," I lied, trying to sound convincing.
Matteo's gaze lingered on me, as if he didn't quite believe me. Then, he shrugged. "Fine. I'll help you, but on my own terms." With that, he turned and walked away.
I let out a deep sigh, resting my head against the seat. Why was I stuck with Matteo, of all people? I wished there was someone else I could ask for help.
Matteo returned a few minutes later, holding a pair of bright orange Crocs. "I always keep these in my car. Come on out," he said.
I stepped out of the car, and he handed me the oversized shoes. I reluctantly took them, feeling greatly annoyed. The Crocs were huge, swallowing my whole feet.
As I started to walk away, Matteo called out, "Not even a 'thank you'? Wow!"
I turned back, my expression stiff. "Thank you," I muttered gruffly.
Matteo chuckled. "I didn't hear that!" he shouted after me.
I ignored him, catching a glimpse of him stifling a laugh as I walked into the restaurant. I clenched my teeth, muttering under my breath, "Damn you, Matteo."
I hastily placed my order at the counter, avoiding eye contact with anyone. The oversized crocs were humiliating, and I couldn't wait to get out of there. I bit my lip, tapping my foot impatiently as I waited for my order.
The sales representative handed me my food, and I quickly paid and grabbed my order. As I exited the restaurant, I spotted Matteo leaning against my car, waiting.
"That was quick," he said smiling.
I handed him the crocs without a word.
"I thought I would never see you outside work without your fiancé," Matteo said, his eyes with curiosity.
I clenched my fists. Why did he have to mention my fiancé? Couldn't he just leave me alone? I wanted to tell him to back off, then I turned around and I accidentally bumped into him, I didn't know he was standing that close behind me.
My purse and the bag containing my purchases fell to the ground, spilling the capucciuno. I grunted clenching my fists.
"Oh, sorry," Matteo said, as we both bent down to gather the scattered items.
Just then, my phone rang, and Matteo, being closer, picked it up. "Give me," I said, stretching out my hand.
He glanced at the screen. "Here, it's your dad." He answered the call and placed the phone to my ear and I held it from falling.
My eyes widened. Why did Matteo answer it?
My father's voice was cold. "Alessia. Never guessed you'd pick the call. Wherever you are, jus
t know I'll find you, and you'll regret your actions."
The line went dead. I was shaking in fear, the phone trembling in my hands.